KOSHASRINI: EUROPE TOUR .. DAY-12 continues

13-10-2025 continues

Milan, the global capital of fashion and design, truly saves its greatest spectacle for its historic heart.

Milanese Majesty: A Day at the Duomo and the Galleria

Our trip to Milan was anchored by a visit to the magnificent Duomo di Milano and the elegant, adjacent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

This photo above clearly depicts the sheer scale of the cathedral that is breathtaking!

The Awe-Inspiring Duomo di Milano

Standing in the Piazza del Duomo, the cathedral immediately commands everyone’s attention. It's a colossal masterpiece of Gothic architecture, one of the largest cathedrals in the world, and every inch of its façade is covered in intricate detail. It's built almost entirely of beautiful pink-white Candoglia marble, which gives it a distinct glow under the Milanese sky.

Begun in 1386, the Duomo took nearly six centuries to complete, a testament to the phrase "as long as the construction of the Duomo." This incredibly long building period explains the blend of styles, though its predominant Gothic character, with its hundreds of spires (guglie) and thousands of statues, is undeniable.

We especially loved admiring the details captured in the main square. Looking up, we saw the dense "stone forest" of spires, each one capped with a statue, all culminating in the famous golden statue of the Madonnina perched on the highest spire, watching over the city.

The Duomo's facade has a total of five bronze doors, each telling a unique story about biblical events, Milanese history, or the lives of its patron saints.

The door in the photograph is one of the five magnificent bronze doors. And is the Main Central Bronze Door (Porta Centrale), which is the largest and most famous of the entrances.

Some fascinating insights about this monumental work of art:

The door was designed by the Italian sculptor Ludovico Pogliaghi. Started in 1897, the door was finished and placed in 1906.

Theme is The Life of the Virgin Mary: The entire door is dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Santa Maria Nascente), the patron saint of the Duomo. The reliefs illustrate the "Joy and Sorrow of the Virgin Mary"

The panels on the left shutter depict the sorrowful episodes of her life, such as the Crucifixion and the Lamentation of Christ.

The panels on the right shutter depict the joyful episodes, like the Annunciation, the Nativity of Jesus, and the Visitation.

The crowning scene in the fixed fanlight above the door is the Crowning of the Virgin Mary.

Made of massive bronze, the central door is the largest and weighs an incredible 37 tons.

By touching the central panels the visitors often trace the intricate scenes and feel the texture of the bronze reliefs.

Stepping into Milan’s “Drawing Room”

Just a few steps from the Duomo's grand entrance, we were drawn into the stunning architecture of the adjacent structure: the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

This is not just a shopping center; it’s an architectural wonder and Italy's oldest active shopping arcade, often nicknamed Il salotto di Milano ("Milan's drawing room").

• A Masterpiece of Glass and Iron: Named after the first king of the unified Kingdom of Italy, the Galleria was built between 1865 and 1877. Its stunning Neo-Renaissance design features a spectacular glass and iron arching roof, all crossing under a central octagonal dome.

• A Showcase of Style: The mosaic floors, luxury boutiques, and historic cafes truly make you feel like you've stepped back into the opulent 19th century. Even if you're not planning to shop, strolling through this elegant space is a must-do—it perfectly encapsulates Milan’s reputation for style and sophistication.

The contrast between the spiritual, age-old grandeur of the Duomo and the sophisticated, commercial elegance of the Galleria is a perfect metaphor for Milan itself: a city that honors its deep history while remaining at the cutting edge of modern life.

It was a truly unforgettable experience!

Hereunder is a detailed description and breakdown of the scenes and landmarks visible in my video that captured the vibrant atmosphere and the incredible scale of the Milan Duomo!

The above video opens with a close-up on the magnificent Central Bronze Door of the Duomo, which is the largest and most famous of the cathedral's entrances.

1. The Central Bronze Door (0:00-0:11, 0:23-0:24)

• This door, finished in 1906 by sculptor Ludovico Pogliaghi, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Santa Maria Nascente).

• The intricate bronze reliefs depict the "Joy and Sorrow of the Virgin Mary".

• The panels on the left shutter depict the sorrowful episodes, such as the Lamentation of Christ.

• The panels on the right shutter depict the joyful episodes, like the Annunciation and the Nativity.

• You can see tourists gathered around, taking photos and pointing out the details of the expressive bronze figures, which is a common activity for visitors to the Duomo.

• Above and around the door, you can see the white-pink Candoglia marble of the Duomo's Gothic façade, adorned with statues, lion heads, and detailed marble reliefs.

2. Piazza del Duomo (0:12 - 0:20)

The video pans across the expansive square in front of the cathedral, which is the Piazza del Duomo ("Cathedral Square"). This square is the central heart of Milan.

• Around the 0:13 mark, you can see the curved façade of the Palazzo dell'Arengario, which now houses the Museo del Novecento (Museum of the Twentieth Century).

• Around the 0:19 mark, the camera briefly captures the monumental triumphal arch that marks the entrance to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world's oldest shopping arcades.

• The square is bustling with activity, showing people sitting, walking, and enjoying the space—a true social hub for Milan.

The video beautifully transitions from a focus on the ancient, devotional art of the cathedral door to the dynamic, public energy of the surrounding piazza, capturing the essence of Milan.

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